Go and Do Likewise: Austin Initiative Aids Asylum-Seeking Families

Go and Do Likewise, an Austin-area initiative led by local Episcopal churches, is helping immigrant families seeking asylum find stability through short-term housing assistance. The name takes inspiration from Jesus' command after the Good Samaritan parable.

Crisis-Level Need for Immigrant Housing

"The need for immigrant housing is at a crisis level. We desperately need help and want to invite other faith communities into this effort," said Rev. Jim Harrington. Austin is home to about 12,000 refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution, torture, and death.

St. David’s Episcopal Church Leads Initiative

St. David’s Episcopal Church began this initiative with Casa Marianella refugee house in response to the surging need for housing. The mission is to place refugees and asylum seekers in apartments and cover initial costs for three months. Six families have been assisted so far.

Ways to Get Involved

Individuals and parishes can support “Go and Do Likewise” by:

• Locating apartments
• Co-signing rental agreements
• Furnishing apartments
• Providing support services
• Celebrating special occasions
• Offering financial assistance through automatic small monthly donations

Challenges Faced by Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers in Austin primarily come from Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, with most being Christian or Muslim. They face challenges such as lack of resources, complex immigration laws, and a harsh political environment. Go and Do Likewise aims to bridge the gap between housing needs and lack of support.

Casa Marianella: Dedicated Immigrant Shelter

Casa Marianella, the only shelter in Austin solely for immigrants, helps residents find places to rent after a three-month stay. Go and Do Likewise collaborates with Casa Marianella, which welcomes an average of 325 refugees per year and currently oversees apartments for 220 former residents.

Housing Costs and Work Visas

Asylum seekers can obtain work visas to become legally employed and financially pay for their housing after three months. However, locating low-cost apartments near bus lines is challenging in Austin’s competitive housing market.

How to Help

For more information or to support this endeavor, email jim@stjamesaustin.org.

The Rev. Jim Harrington is a human rights lawyer and priest serving the Proyecto Santiago community at St. James’ Episcopal Church in East Austin. Doing Good Together is compiled by Interfaith Action of Central Texas, interfaithtexas.org.